Acknowledging the work of our First Responders
By Sonia Isaacs
As the community pauses to recognise National First Responders Day on June 11, those behind the scenes are reminding the public that the emergency response can begin long before sirens sound.
Amy Gray, a supervisor at the Queensland Ambulance Service’s Sunshine Coast Operations Centre, is one of those frontline voices. Her team answers triple zero calls and coordinates emergency responses across a vast area – from the hinterland to rural communities as far north as Bundaberg.
“We take all the calls in our area, including the hinterland, and then we’re responsible for dispatching the vehicles that respond,” Ms Gray said.
With nearly 14 years’ experience, Ms Gray says the day is an important opportunity to honour every link in the emergency chain.
“It’s important we acknowledge and appreciate what everyone does – each role is individual. It all starts from the call that gets answered to the officers who arrive on scene,” she said.
Incidents can range from minor injuries to major traumas. “It varies – from helping the elderly after a fall to car accidents on the hinterland back roads. You never know what it will be.”
The role, she says, can take an emotional toll. “It can affect people’s mental health, but QAS provides a lot of support – peer officers, debriefs, and 24/7 access to Priority One.”
Despite the challenges, Ms Gray says the reward is in helping others. “People still choose to show up every day – because they care.”
“First Responders Day is a great initiative. It shows the appreciation and dedication of everyone who does this job.”